A technique for Time-Sensitive Networking, TSN, over a radio access network, RAN, is described. As to a handling method aspect of the technique, system information is received from a radio base station of the RAN. The system information is implicative or indicative of support for TSN through the radio base station. Depending on the received system information, at least one TSN stream of the TSN through the radio base station is established or initiated to establish.
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1. A method of handling Time-Sensitive Networking, TSN, over a radio access network, RAN, the method comprising: receiving system information from a radio base station of the RAN, wherein the system information is implicative or indicative of support for TSN through the radio base station; and establishing or initiating to establish, depending on the received system information, at least one TSN stream of the TSN through the radio base station.
This invention relates to Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) over a Radio Access Network (RAN), addressing the challenge of integrating deterministic, low-latency communication in wireless networks. TSN is designed for real-time data transmission with strict timing requirements, but traditional RANs lack native support for such deterministic traffic. The invention enables TSN streams to be established or initiated through a radio base station by first receiving system information from the base station. This system information indicates whether the base station supports TSN capabilities. Based on this information, a TSN stream is then established, ensuring that time-sensitive data can be transmitted with the required reliability and latency guarantees. The method ensures compatibility between TSN protocols and wireless networks, allowing for seamless integration of deterministic traffic in RAN environments. This approach is particularly useful in industrial automation, vehicular communications, and other applications requiring precise timing and low-latency data transfer. The invention simplifies the deployment of TSN over wireless networks by leveraging existing RAN infrastructure while ensuring adherence to TSN standards.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of establishing or initiating to establish, depending on the received system information, the at least one TSN stream comprises selectively establishing or selectively initiating to establish the at least one TSN stream, wherein the selectivity is dependent on the received system information.
This invention relates to Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) stream management in communication systems. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and selective establishment of TSN streams based on system information to optimize network performance and resource allocation. The method involves receiving system information, which may include network topology, bandwidth availability, latency requirements, or other operational parameters. Based on this information, the system selectively establishes or initiates the establishment of at least one TSN stream. The selectivity ensures that only necessary streams are created, avoiding unnecessary resource consumption and improving efficiency. The decision to establish a stream is dynamically adjusted according to the received system information, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions. The method may also involve prioritizing certain streams over others based on the system information, ensuring critical data is transmitted with minimal delay. Additionally, the system may monitor ongoing streams and adjust their parameters or terminate them if conditions change, further optimizing network performance. This approach enhances reliability and reduces latency in time-sensitive applications such as industrial automation, automotive networks, and multimedia streaming.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of establishing or initiating to establish the at least one TSN stream comprises selectively performing or selectively initiating to perform at least one of: a random access procedure with the radio base station of the RAN; a radio resource control, RRC, connection setup with the radio base station of the RAN; and a network attach procedure with a core network connected to the RAN, wherein the selectivity is dependent on the received system information.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for establishing or initiating Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) streams in a radio access network (RAN). The problem addressed is efficiently setting up TSN streams while optimizing resource usage and network signaling overhead. The solution involves selectively performing one or more procedures based on received system information to establish or initiate the TSN stream. The procedures include a random access procedure with a radio base station, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection setup, or a network attach procedure with a core network. The selection of which procedure to perform depends on the system information received from the network, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different network conditions and requirements. This approach ensures efficient resource allocation and reduces unnecessary signaling, improving overall network performance for time-sensitive applications. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where low latency and high reliability are critical, such as industrial automation, vehicular communications, or other real-time applications.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the establishing step comprises: performing or initiating to perform a TSN application that uses the at least one established TSN stream.
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is a set of standards designed to enable deterministic, low-latency communication in Ethernet networks, addressing challenges in real-time applications like industrial automation, automotive systems, and audio/video streaming. A key problem in TSN is efficiently managing and utilizing TSN streams to ensure predictable performance while minimizing resource overhead. This invention describes a method for establishing and utilizing TSN streams in a network. The method involves setting up at least one TSN stream, which includes configuring network resources such as bandwidth allocation, scheduling, and traffic shaping to meet the stream's timing requirements. Once the stream is established, the method proceeds to perform or initiate a TSN application that relies on the configured stream. The application may include real-time data transmission, synchronization, or other time-critical operations. The method ensures that the TSN stream is properly provisioned before the application begins, optimizing network performance and reducing latency. This approach enhances reliability and predictability in TSN-enabled networks, making it suitable for applications requiring strict timing guarantees.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the selectivity is fulfilled if the received system information is indicative of TSN features required by the TSN application.
A method for managing Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) applications in a wireless communication system addresses the challenge of ensuring network resources are allocated efficiently to support TSN traffic, which requires strict timing and low latency. The method involves determining whether a TSN application can be supported by evaluating system information received from the network. The system information includes details about the network's capabilities, such as whether it supports TSN features like time synchronization, traffic scheduling, or bandwidth reservation. The method checks if the received system information indicates that the network can fulfill the TSN requirements of the application. If the network supports the necessary TSN features, the application is allowed to proceed; otherwise, it may be restricted or reconfigured. This ensures that only compatible TSN applications are permitted to operate, preventing performance degradation due to unsupported features. The method may also involve dynamically adjusting network configurations to better accommodate TSN traffic, such as reserving bandwidth or prioritizing certain data flows. By verifying TSN feature support before application execution, the method improves network reliability and efficiency for time-sensitive communications.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the step of receiving the system information is performed with respect to each of a plurality of radio base stations of the RAN, and wherein the step of establishing or initiating to establish the at least one TSN stream comprises selecting, among the plurality of radio base stations, the radio base station the system information of which is indicative of TSN features required by the TSN application.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving support for Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) applications in radio access networks (RANs). The problem addressed is ensuring reliable, low-latency communication for TSN applications by selecting the most suitable radio base station based on its TSN capabilities. The method involves receiving system information from multiple radio base stations in the RAN, where this information includes details about each base station's TSN features. These features may include support for specific TSN protocols, latency guarantees, or synchronization capabilities required by the TSN application. The method then selects a radio base station from the plurality based on which one's system information indicates it meets the TSN requirements of the application. Once selected, the method establishes or initiates the establishment of at least one TSN stream with the chosen base station, ensuring the application's communication needs are met. This approach allows the system to dynamically choose the best base station for TSN traffic, optimizing performance and reliability for time-sensitive applications in wireless networks. The selection process ensures that only base stations with the necessary TSN features are considered, avoiding compatibility issues and ensuring deterministic communication performance.
7. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of: sending a control message to the core network, the control message being indicative of TSN features required by the TSN application.
This invention relates to time-sensitive networking (TSN) in communication systems, specifically addressing the need to dynamically configure network resources to support TSN applications with strict timing requirements. The method involves a network node, such as a base station, determining the TSN features required by a TSN application and sending a control message to the core network to request the necessary resources. The control message includes information about the TSN features needed, such as time synchronization, traffic scheduling, or bandwidth allocation, to ensure the application's performance requirements are met. The core network then processes this request to allocate the appropriate resources, enabling seamless integration of TSN traffic with other network services. This approach allows for efficient resource management and ensures that TSN applications, which often require deterministic latency and low jitter, operate reliably within the network. The method may also involve the network node receiving a response from the core network confirming the allocation of resources or indicating any adjustments needed to support the TSN application's requirements. By dynamically communicating TSN feature requirements, the invention enables flexible and scalable deployment of time-sensitive applications in heterogeneous networks.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the system information is implicative or indicative of at least one TSN feature supported by or through the radio base station.
A system and method for managing Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) features in a wireless communication network involves determining system information that indicates or implies the support of at least one TSN feature by a radio base station. TSN features are used to provide deterministic, low-latency communication in industrial and automotive applications, ensuring precise timing and synchronization. The system information may include configuration parameters, capability indicators, or other signaling data that explicitly or implicitly convey the base station's ability to support TSN functionalities such as time synchronization, traffic scheduling, or quality-of-service guarantees. By analyzing this system information, network devices can identify whether the base station can facilitate TSN operations, enabling seamless integration of TSN-capable devices into the network. This ensures reliable and predictable data transmission for time-critical applications, improving overall network performance and efficiency. The method enhances interoperability between TSN and wireless networks, addressing challenges in latency and synchronization in industrial and automotive environments.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the at least one TSN feature comprises at least one of: a time-synchronization of components processing the at least one TSN stream of the TSN over the RAN; a latency bound for the at least one TSN stream of the TSN over the RAN; and a reliability measure for the at least one TSN stream of the TSN over the RAN.
This invention relates to Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) over Radio Access Networks (RAN), addressing the challenge of ensuring deterministic performance for TSN streams in wireless environments. The method involves managing TSN features to optimize the transmission of TSN streams over RAN, focusing on key performance aspects such as time synchronization, latency bounds, and reliability. The method includes configuring at least one TSN feature for the TSN stream, which may involve synchronizing components processing the TSN stream to ensure precise timing. Additionally, it may enforce latency bounds to guarantee that data is transmitted within specified time constraints, which is critical for real-time applications. The method also assesses and ensures reliability measures, such as error detection and correction, to maintain data integrity over the RAN. By integrating these TSN features, the invention enables the RAN to support time-sensitive applications with stringent requirements, such as industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and telemedicine, where predictable and reliable communication is essential. The approach ensures that TSN streams meet the necessary performance criteria despite the inherent variability of wireless networks.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the system information is indicative of a TSN configuration for the TSN through the radio base station.
A system and method for managing Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) configurations in wireless communication networks, particularly in environments where precise timing and synchronization are critical. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing and applying TSN configurations across network nodes, including radio base stations, to ensure deterministic data transmission with low latency and high reliability. The method involves generating system information that encodes TSN-specific parameters, such as scheduling, synchronization, and traffic shaping rules, and broadcasting this information to connected devices. The system information is structured to allow devices to dynamically adapt their communication behavior based on the TSN requirements, enabling seamless integration of TSN services over wireless interfaces. The method further includes mechanisms for validating and updating the TSN configuration to maintain network performance under varying conditions. This approach ensures that TSN traffic is prioritized and synchronized across the network, supporting applications like industrial automation, vehicular communications, and real-time control systems. The invention enhances the flexibility and scalability of TSN deployments in wireless networks by leveraging existing system information frameworks, reducing the need for additional signaling overhead.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the TSN configuration is indicative of an availability of at least one of a Central Networking Configuration, CNC, and a Central User Configuration, CUC.
A method for managing Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) configurations in a network system addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing and applying TSN settings across multiple network devices. The method involves determining the availability of centralized configuration resources, specifically a Central Networking Configuration (CNC) and a Central User Configuration (CUC), to streamline the deployment of TSN parameters. The CNC provides standardized network-level settings, while the CUC offers user-specific configurations, ensuring consistent and scalable TSN performance. By assessing the presence of these centralized resources, the method enables dynamic adaptation of TSN configurations based on available infrastructure, improving network reliability and reducing manual configuration efforts. This approach is particularly useful in environments requiring precise timing and synchronization, such as industrial automation, automotive networks, and telecommunications. The method enhances interoperability and simplifies network management by leveraging centralized configuration frameworks, ensuring seamless integration of TSN features across diverse network devices.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the system information is broadcasted from the radio base station.
A system and method for wireless communication involves broadcasting system information from a radio base station to user devices. The system information includes configuration details, network parameters, and operational instructions necessary for devices to access and communicate within the network. The broadcast ensures that all compatible devices within the coverage area receive the information without requiring individual requests, optimizing network efficiency and reducing signaling overhead. The system may also include mechanisms for updating the broadcasted information dynamically, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions or requirements. Additionally, the system may support multiple broadcast channels or frequencies to enhance reliability and coverage. The method ensures that devices can quickly synchronize with the network, establish connections, and maintain communication without delays or interruptions. This approach is particularly useful in cellular networks, where efficient distribution of system information is critical for seamless operation and user experience. The system may further incorporate error correction and redundancy to ensure accurate delivery of the broadcasted data, even in challenging radio environments.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the system information is comprised in one or more system information blocks, SIBs.
A system for wireless communication manages system information (SI) by organizing it into one or more system information blocks (SIBs). Each SIB contains specific parameters and configurations required for device operation within a network. The system dynamically adjusts the transmission of these SIBs based on network conditions, device requirements, or other operational factors. This approach optimizes bandwidth usage and reduces overhead by transmitting only the necessary SIBs to devices, rather than broadcasting all available SI indiscriminately. The method ensures efficient delivery of critical network information while minimizing resource consumption. By structuring SI into modular SIBs, the system enables flexible and scalable management of network configurations, supporting diverse device capabilities and use cases. The solution addresses challenges in wireless communication where excessive SI transmission can lead to congestion, delays, or inefficient resource allocation. The dynamic transmission strategy enhances network performance and reliability by adapting to real-time conditions and device needs.
14. A method of announcing Time-Sensitive Networking, TSN, over a radio access network, RAN, the method comprising: transmitting system information from a radio base station of the RAN, wherein the system information is implicative or indicative of support for TSN through the radio base station; and supporting, according to the transmitted system information, at least one TSN stream of the TSN through the radio base station.
This invention relates to Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) over radio access networks (RAN). TSN is a set of standards designed to provide deterministic, low-latency communication, but integrating it with wireless networks like RAN presents challenges due to inherent variability in wireless transmission. The invention addresses this by enabling a RAN to announce and support TSN capabilities, ensuring reliable, time-sensitive data transmission over wireless links. The method involves a radio base station transmitting system information that explicitly indicates its support for TSN. This system information can be either implicative (implying support through related parameters) or directly indicative (explicitly stating TSN compatibility). Once the support is announced, the base station facilitates the transmission of at least one TSN stream, ensuring the stream meets TSN requirements such as low latency and bounded jitter. The system information may include configuration details like scheduling policies, quality of service (QoS) parameters, or synchronization mechanisms necessary for TSN operation. The base station dynamically adjusts its operations to maintain TSN performance, such as prioritizing TSN traffic or synchronizing with other network nodes. This approach enables seamless integration of TSN over RAN, supporting applications requiring precise timing and low-latency communication, such as industrial automation, autonomous systems, and real-time control.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: receiving a configuration message indicative of the support for TSN from a core network, CN, at the radio base station, wherein the transmitted system information is derived from the received configuration message.
A method for enabling Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) support in a wireless communication system involves configuring a radio base station to transmit system information that indicates TSN capabilities. The method includes receiving a configuration message from a core network (CN) at the radio base station, where the configuration message specifies whether TSN support is available. The radio base station then derives the system information to be transmitted based on the received configuration message, ensuring that user equipment (UE) devices are informed about TSN support in the network. This allows the UE to determine whether it can utilize TSN features for low-latency, high-reliability communication. The method ensures that TSN capabilities are properly advertised to devices within the network, facilitating seamless integration of TSN services in wireless environments. The configuration message from the CN provides the necessary parameters to configure the radio base station, ensuring consistency across the network. This approach enables efficient TSN deployment by dynamically adjusting system information based on network-wide configurations.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the system information is implicative or indicative of at least one TSN feature supported by or through the radio base station.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for determining and utilizing Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities in radio access networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient identification and communication of TSN features supported by a radio base station to enable seamless integration with TSN-capable networks. The method involves a radio base station receiving system information from a core network, where this system information includes data indicative of TSN features supported by or through the radio base station. The system information may be implicative or explicitly indicative of these TSN capabilities, allowing other network entities to recognize and utilize them. The radio base station then transmits this system information to a user equipment (UE) device, enabling the UE to identify the available TSN features. This process facilitates the establishment of TSN connections with guaranteed quality of service (QoS) parameters, such as low latency and high reliability, which are critical for applications like industrial automation, vehicular communications, and real-time control systems. The method ensures that TSN features are properly advertised and accessible, enabling end-to-end TSN functionality across the radio access network. By leveraging this system information, network entities can dynamically configure and optimize TSN traffic flows, improving overall network performance and reliability for time-sensitive applications.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the system information is broadcasted in one or more system information blocks, SIBs.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for broadcasting system information to user devices. The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of essential network configuration data, such as cell parameters, access restrictions, and service availability, to devices in a wireless network. The invention improves upon existing techniques by organizing system information into structured blocks, known as System Information Blocks (SIBs), which are broadcasted to user devices. Each SIB contains specific subsets of system information, allowing devices to selectively receive only the relevant data they need, reducing unnecessary transmissions and conserving network resources. The method ensures that critical information is disseminated in a standardized format, enabling seamless device operation across different network environments. By segmenting system information into SIBs, the invention enhances flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in wireless communication systems. The approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple devices must quickly access network-specific details without overloading the broadcast channel. The invention may also include mechanisms to update or modify SIBs dynamically, ensuring that devices always have access to the most current system information. This method is applicable to various wireless technologies, including cellular networks, where reliable and efficient system information distribution is crucial for optimal performance.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the system information is indicative of a TSN configuration for the TSN through the radio base station.
A method for managing time-sensitive networking (TSN) configurations in a wireless communication system involves transmitting system information that indicates a TSN configuration for a TSN network through a radio base station. The system information is structured to enable devices within the network to synchronize and coordinate data transmission with precise timing, ensuring low-latency and high-reliability communication. This configuration includes parameters such as scheduling, synchronization, and traffic shaping rules that are essential for TSN applications, which require deterministic performance. The method ensures that the TSN configuration is distributed efficiently across the network, allowing devices to operate in a synchronized manner. The system information may include timing synchronization information, quality of service (QoS) parameters, and traffic scheduling details to support real-time data transmission. By providing this configuration through the radio base station, the method enables seamless integration of TSN capabilities into wireless networks, addressing the challenge of maintaining precise timing and reliability in dynamic wireless environments. The approach is particularly useful in industrial automation, vehicular communications, and other applications where deterministic networking is critical.
19. A device for handling Time-Sensitive Networking, TSN, over a radio access network, RAN, the device comprising at least one processor and a memory, said memory comprising instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the device is operative to: receive system information from a radio base station of the RAN, wherein the system information is implicative or indicative of support for TSN through the radio base station; and establish or initiate establishing, depending on the received system information, at least one TSN stream of the TSN through the radio base station.
This invention relates to Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) over a Radio Access Network (RAN), addressing the challenge of integrating deterministic, low-latency communication in wireless environments. The device includes at least one processor and memory with executable instructions to enable TSN functionality. It receives system information from a radio base station, which indicates whether the base station supports TSN. Based on this information, the device establishes or initiates the setup of at least one TSN stream through the base station. The system information may explicitly or implicitly signal TSN support, allowing the device to adapt its communication accordingly. This ensures reliable, time-synchronized data transmission over the RAN, which is critical for applications requiring strict timing guarantees, such as industrial automation, vehicular networks, or real-time multimedia. The device dynamically configures TSN streams based on the base station's capabilities, enabling seamless integration of TSN protocols in wireless networks. The solution enhances deterministic performance in RAN environments by leveraging TSN's precision timing and traffic shaping mechanisms, overcoming traditional wireless network variability.
20. The device of claim 19 , further operative to selectively establish or selectively initiate to establish the at least one TSN stream based on the received system information.
A system for managing Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) streams in a communication network addresses the challenge of efficiently establishing and controlling TSN streams to ensure deterministic data transmission. The system includes a network device configured to receive system information, which may include network topology, traffic requirements, or scheduling data. The device processes this information to determine the optimal configuration for TSN streams, ensuring low-latency and synchronized data transmission. The system further includes mechanisms to selectively establish or initiate the establishment of TSN streams based on the received system information, allowing dynamic adaptation to network conditions. This ensures that TSN streams are only activated when necessary, optimizing network resources and reducing unnecessary overhead. The device may also include scheduling modules to coordinate stream timings and prioritize critical data flows, enhancing overall network performance. By dynamically adjusting TSN stream configurations, the system improves reliability and efficiency in time-sensitive applications such as industrial automation, automotive networks, and multimedia streaming.
21. A device for announcing Time-Sensitive Networking, TSN, over a radio access network, RAN, the device comprising at least one processor and a memory, said memory comprising instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the device is operative to: transmit system information from a radio base station of the RAN, wherein the system information is implicative or indicative of support for TSN through the radio base station; and support, according to the transmitted system information, at least one TSN stream of the TSN through the radio base station.
This invention relates to a device for enabling Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) over a Radio Access Network (RAN). TSN is a set of standards designed to provide deterministic, low-latency communication, but integrating it with wireless networks like RAN presents challenges due to inherent variability in wireless transmission. The device addresses this by facilitating TSN support in a RAN environment, ensuring reliable, time-sensitive data transmission over wireless links. The device includes at least one processor and a memory storing executable instructions. It operates by transmitting system information from a radio base station within the RAN, where the system information explicitly indicates or implies that the base station supports TSN. This allows connected devices to recognize and utilize TSN capabilities. Additionally, the device supports at least one TSN stream through the radio base station, ensuring that time-sensitive data is transmitted with the required precision and low latency. The system information may include configuration details, scheduling parameters, or other metadata necessary for TSN operation, enabling seamless integration of TSN protocols within the RAN infrastructure. This approach enhances real-time communication in wireless networks, making it suitable for applications like industrial automation, autonomous systems, and other latency-sensitive use cases.
22. The device of claim 21 , further operative to receive a configuration message indicative of the support for TSN from a core network, CN, at the radio base station, wherein the transmitted system information is derived from the received configuration message.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically enhancing support for Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) in radio access networks. The problem addressed is the lack of efficient mechanisms for configuring and signaling TSN support between core network elements and radio base stations, which is critical for low-latency, high-reliability applications like industrial automation and vehicular communications. The invention describes a device, such as a radio base station, that receives a configuration message from the core network (CN) indicating support for TSN. This message includes parameters that define how TSN services should be implemented at the radio interface. The device then derives system information from this configuration message, which is subsequently transmitted to user equipment (UE) or other network nodes. This system information enables the UE to understand the TSN capabilities of the network and adjust its communication behavior accordingly, ensuring synchronized, deterministic data transmission. The device may also include additional functionality, such as processing the configuration message to extract TSN-specific parameters like scheduling policies, quality of service (QoS) requirements, or synchronization protocols. The derived system information may be broadcasted or sent via dedicated signaling to ensure all relevant devices are aware of the TSN configuration. This approach ensures seamless integration of TSN services into the radio access network, reducing latency and improving reliability for time-critical applications.
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August 31, 2018
March 1, 2022
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